Drivers face hit-run split decision under changes

Drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents will not be legally obliged to stop and help those they have hit, if there is an immediate threat to their own safety.

The Northern Territory government plans to introduce amendments in parliament this week to change the way drivers are legally bound to act in hit-and-run situations.

Attorney General John Elferink said drivers will need to assess their own safety before stopping, but they are still required to report the incident immediately.

"For argument sake, in my experience as a police officer in Alice Springs, I saw over the years several people stop after running into somebody and then that person was assaulted by the relations of the person they'd run over," Mr Elferink said.

"That's a product of traditional law, particularly to Central Australia, where families can take retribution very very quickly."

The government also plans to introduce laws that will give the Children's Commissioner more independence to scrutinise the government.

The Child Protection office has had three Ministers and four CEOs in the past 14 months, and the Commissioner, Howard Bath, has called for stability.

Mr Elferink, who took over as the new Child Protection Minister in September, said the government will introduce the Children's Commissioner Bill this week.

He said it would create a new Act that will "recognise the independence of the Children's Commissioner".

Parliament will also focus on the Care and Protection of Children Amendment Bill, which will allow for proper legal representation for children who are subject to family protection orders.